Avrin

The only rule applying to the RH1 I know about, is that it is able to upload SP (and all kinds of LP for that matter) from a write-protected disc (with the shutter open). Everything else means glitches. But you need to use SS at least the version supplied with the unit (SS3.4.03), or better SS4.2. Use SS4.3 only if you are under Vista.

This sounds like a somewhat massive approach. I've already retired everything from my signature except for one RH1 for interfacing with my computer, and one NH600 for enjoying the sound. Not that I'm selling the retired units.

Check this out: http://www.cole2k.net/?display=NPI

The limitation contains both a software and a hardware part. The software part is easily removable via service mode. The hardware part (extra resistors) requires some resoldering to remove it (by shortening the resistors). And then again noone would guarantee that a resoldered European unit will be equivalent to its Japanese counterpart, since Japanese models frequently contain additional and/or higher quality hardware than models manufactured for the outside world, and service manuals usually contain schematics for all models, except Japanese. Although a resoldered European unit will be equivalent to its North American counterpart (as can be seen from most service manuals). None actually.

As for the sound, of all the units I have, the best sounding one is definitely the NH3D (a Japanese-only unit). Despite having a HD-digital amp, it doesn't have the boring clearness, characteristic to most HD-digital amp units. It does sound clear, but not boring in any way. The RH1s do have this boring clearness, and the sound is further marred by the units being European ones with hardware level limitations. Although a Japanese RH1 would probably sound similar, or even better than the NH3D. But I also love the soft sound of the non-HD, but still digital amp of my RH910 (this one sounds absolutely similar to the RH10 I once had), and the warm sound of the NH600s with their great TOSHIBA TA2131FLG analogue headhone amps, even despite their European hardware level limitations. And don't ask me about the sound of the E10 - it is just a toy with its fancy SANYO DSP, which plays sounds that were never there before. Nice for LP4 though.

IIRC, the MZ-EH930, despite being a 2nd generation unit, doesn't play MP3 at all.

The only two sources for non-English European versions I know about are the VAIO Server and the web-installer server, but both have all 4.2 versions removed some time ago. Maybe someone in Germany has the German version from the VAIO server backed up. Try local forums.

Try cleaning the battery contacts. The NH-10WM's and NH-14WM's contacts oxidize very fast. Cleaning the contacts always helps me with my RH910. See here: http://forums.minidisc.org/index.php?showtopic=21439

Not quite. I have no idea about what Vista is all about. And all INF files in the more-or-less current versions of SS drivers seem to be related to portable devices only (not decks). And never forget the "M-crew for [whatever]" SONY approach. And then again - no "M-crew" or "OpenMg Jukebox" will ever work under Vista.

The white connecting "ribbon" at the right part of the photograph doesn't look to me as if it has anything to do with an RH1.

Not at all. The seller is actually selling some electronic intestines of their RH1. And these may be of value.

The "It's disassembled because I took it apart to remove the jammed minidisc." statement makes it clear that the overwrite head is no longer. And there's no way to replace it. Sorry...

Nice!

Welcome to the Forums! I have no idea about what Vista is all about (still using Windows 2000), but the above problem sounds to me like SS has either trouble accessing its MDB databases, or its internal XML files.

Exactly! If you do not install any PA drivers from SONY, only generic Windows drivers are used. They only tell Windows how to communicate with the device in order to transfer information. They do not seem to control power or recharging in any way (power control, as I think, is performed by USB hardware). The drivers are the same as for HD or flash USB storage. However, if you do install the PA drivers, the SONYSDK2.inf file is also to install the SONYSDK2.sys file as a "Sony USB Mass Storage Driver", however, the file doesn't actually seem to load (at least for a [Hi]MD unit). The only difference this makes is that you can disconnect the unit without an "Unsafe device removal" warning.

This has nothing to do with drivers (a Hi-MD unit in Hi-MD mode doesn't actually use any driver). The units show "MD ---- PC" on their screens when connected to a 'puter via USB. They feel that they are connected to a 'puter. Though some are actually recharging their batteries in the transfer mode. Not the NH600, of course (it doesn't have any recharge circuitry). The RH910 does but not to the full capacity (to about 80%, as stated in the manual).

Unfortunately, RH910's own buttons can't be used when the unit is USB-powered (i. e., connected to a 'puter). And some immediate additional tests (ya know, "Don't trouble Avrin until...") have shown that the NH600, the NH3D, and the RH910 completely refuse to see the RH1's adapter as a source of power.

A simple USB flash "whistle" doesn't cost that much nowadays. And it stores several Gigabytes. But the real trouble is that these "whistles" no longer have a write-protection switch. And this may be a problem when you plug it into a virus-infected 'puter.

This is absolutely not normal. The battery is most certainly dead. Get a GP gumstick as a replacement. Or even better - get two GP gumsticks with their supplied charger.

Going back to the original topic. After the charging process, my RH910 played pack two HiMD discs containing the whole "Oh By The Way" box by Pink Floyd in Hi-SP (I'll abstain from commenting on the sound quality of the last few CD's in the box) . Then it recharged nicely again.

I'd rather do it on the unit itself.

Have fun with a SONY-made one: http://forums.minidisc.org/index.php?s=&am...st&p=117697 The idea to make a full standalone installer, which doesn't install all the garbage the official one does is beautiful. But, given the fact that SS itself is about 80% (maybe even more) garbage, and noone knows how it works - I don't think that a beautiful installer ever appears.

The official links are dead. Some working links are here: http://forums.minidisc.org/index.php?s=&am...st&p=117697

It has been there long before Pink Floyd. 10 Hi-MD's of King Crimson, plus volumes of solo works. And I was lucky enough to meet several of the guys in person.

Absolutely! Unless we'll be able to make non-Japanese versions of SonicStage and its tools authenticate via Mora. But, given the fact that... Sorry, now I have to stop.